Gifts for Teens & College-Age Kids

Some of my all-time favorite gifts for teens and college-age kids would have to be surprise concert tickets for a band they love, a family vacation, or an activity they would love (like zip-lining or snow skiing or hiking, etc). You could even wrap up the trail map or brochure for the activity. ‘Experience gifts’ can be the best to give and the most fun to participate in . . . and they’re perfect for the teen who has everything. For kids away at school, it’s always fun to purchase branded items from the bookstore and/or a gift cards for local restaurants and coffee places.

See below for gift ideas from current teen/college-aged kids. This is a collection based on items that they currently have (and love!) or what’s on their current wish list.

Portable Charger External Electronic Battery by Anker

Starting at $13.99

How often do you hear someone say “My phone is dead?” I can’t think of anyone who doesn’t need to charge their phone while they are our and about or traveling. Now that we have seen how well Anker’s charger works — and how quickly it charges — we never leave home without it. One tip — remember to keep your Anker charged. At just $13.99 this is an excellent stocking stuffer.

Nail Polish Set of 6 with Case by Butter London

$36

Playing Favorites Patent Shine 10X Nail Lacquer Set – $36 ($60 value)

Have you tried Butter London nail polish yet? It truly does go on as smooth as butter. You’ll also feel better about using this nail polish because this company uses such high quality ingredients. This is an American company with an English name; the colors are current, beautiful and you’ll keep coming back to them. Another bonus is that you don’t need a base or top coat. Just 2 coats of Butter lacquer and you are good to go.

24 Hour Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker by Vava

$35.99

This speaker seems to be pretty much indestructible and that can be a good thing for kids who like to take their music to the beach, the quad, the park and anywhere in between — including the shower. It sounds great, plus it’s waterproof. Fully charged, it lasts up to 24 hours. All of this for under $40.

Hunter Plaid Shirt by Rails

$148

Girls of any age love a nice casual, yet stylish, plaid shirt. Rails, by far, designs the softest and best patterns we have seen. They’re a little bit more of an investment, but, trust us, this will be a go-to shirt for layering in the winter or even wear this alone in the evenings in the warmer months.

Affordable Replacement Earphones by AOKII

$15.99

Kids, teens and adults are forever always losing or breaking their headphones. Each year we add an extra pair of headphones to each stocking (even my own!). Everyone needs an extra pair on hand, for the car, your purse, by your bedside, for travel, etc.

UGG Slippers for Guys

$109.95

For the guy who wear slippers, these are hands down the coziest and warmest. Perfect for wearing around home or even packing them for a trip to the lodge. These have the signature shearling inside (UGGpure) and the outside is a rich suede with rubber traction soles.

Hand-stitched Belts by Smathers and Branson

Starting at $144

These belts are perfect for the preppy guy who likes a little bit of personality around his waist. They’re definitely a splurge, but they are hand stitched and will last as long as your guy stays the same waist size. Smathers and Branson recommends adding 2 inches to the men’s pant size to obtain the best fit. Be sure to check out their college logo collection is an extra special gift.

Welcome to Secret Gift Closet

In our home I have a special closet with secret gifts inside. Some are ‘tried and true’ that I have on hand for hostess gifts, sudden birthday parties and thank you gifts. Others are hand-picked for a friend or relative waiting for an upcoming event or holiday.

The idea for this site came to me because every year before the holidays a few of my close friends would reach out and ask for gift ideas for their Dad, their teenage cousin or even a business colleague. Every time I would get a request like this, I dropped everything and started searching for ideas. Doing that kind of deep-dive research is what I live for.

Secret Gift Closet is about sharing my favorite gift ideas from one girlfriend to another. Over the years I consider it an honor to share my discoveries with my best friends. . . and now you!

And, of course, if you have your own go-to favorites, I hope you will share them here, too.

I truly believe the best gifts are the gifts of time and memories we make together. I just don’t like to show up empty handed.